Ornaments add unique character to Christmas tree at Elk Country Visitor Center

Photo by Becky Polaski – The Christmas tree at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is decorated with ornaments that have been brought in by visitors to the facility.

BENEZETTE – With Christmas less than two weeks away, holiday cheer is evident throughout the community, and at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. The center has had its Christmas tree on display since late November and is once again looking for ornaments to decorate it.
According to Carla Wehler, Elk Country Visitor Center Operations Manager, the tree is bigger than last year's and was selected by staff members Brandi Hanes, Jean Germer, and Scott Rhodes.
The trio did not have to go far to find the perfect tree. The visitor center is located on the site of a former Christmas tree farm, so they were able to find their tree right on the center's property.
"There's still some Christmas trees left, although they're getting big. It works out well for us," Wehler said.
One of the most unique features of the tree is that many of the decorations were either brought in by visitors or sent to the facility by supporters from around the country.
"The idea was just to get kind of a collection of ornaments from people that like to visit Elk Country and like wildlife and habitat, and [we've been] asking that they bring some kind of ornament that shows a little about who they are, where they live, or what they like to do," Wehler said.
Wehler added that encouraging individuals to bring in ornaments worked out well last year and the center received close to 70, all of which are back on display on this year's tree.
"It was a lot of fun, and then we had people bringing their ornaments in all year long. We have a lot of people saying they're still coming this winter, but wanted to be able to put [the ornaments] on the tree themselves," Wehler said.
Anyone taking an ornament to the center is free to walk in and place it wherever they would like on the tree, according to Wehler.
"They can just walk in and pick a spot," Wehler said. "That's what makes it fun. A lot of people like to put it on themselves and like to choose where it goes."

Pick up a copy of the Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 edition of The Ridgway Record for more.

Copyright 2010 Ridgway Record

Benezette, Pa. – With Christmas less than two weeks away, holiday cheer is evident throughout the community, and at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. The center has had its Christmas tree on display since late November and is once again looking for ornaments to decorate it.